Yampupata Peninsula
by Lawrence Rubey and
A. Bennett Hennessey
Copacabana, nestled between two
hills, on the shores of Lake Titicaca and only
a few kilometers from the Peruvian border, is not an
especially exciting birding destination. Although it does have many of the
species typical of the High Andes (the altitude is just over 3800 meters) and a
variety of waterbirds, it is included here because it
happens to be a major tourist destination on the "gringo trail." Many
young backpackers working their way through Peru
and Bolivia
stop for a couple days because of the fantastic scenery and incredible
collection of Inca ruins on nearby Isla de Sol.
With an hour or two to spare for
birding, walk from the center of town back along the road toward La
Paz. Pass a gas station on the left,
then a cemetery on the right where the birding begins. Soon after there is a
police checkpoint for vehicles entering the town. Some
of the fields to the right are worth exploring, but stick to the paths and
avoid trampling on crops. This walk is likely to turn up a number of common
Andean species found near rural settlements, including: Rufous-collared
Sparrow, Peruvian Sierra-Finch, Ash-breasted Sierra-Finch, Mourning
Sierra-Finch, Andean Flicker, Andean Lapwing, Chinguanco
Thrush, Black Siskin, Bare-faced Ground-Dove, Eared Dove, Bar-winged Cinclodes, and Sparkling Violetear.
The best reason for heading to
Copacabana, besides the cultural attractions, is a very good chance at seeing
the flightless Short-winged Grebe. From Copacabana, drive out
along the Yampupata peninsula, a finger of land
jutting into the lake. At various points where the road makes a close
approach to the lake and there appear to be sufficient reedbeds,
scan for the Short-winged Grebe.
Logistics: Copacabana is 156 kilometers
from the city of La Paz. It
is a popular local tourist attraction and is easy to get to via public
transportation. Avoid the first week of February, Easter weekend and
Independence Day (August 6) as it can be hard to get hotel reservations during
holidays. The ferry crossing at Tiquina is a unique
experience.